Garage door springs are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. They bear the immense weight of the door, making opening and closing effortless. When a spring breaks, it can turn your routine into a struggle and even pose a safety hazard. Knowing the signs of a broken spring is essential for timely repair. Don't let a faulty spring disrupt your day; read on to learn what to look for.
How to Identify a Broken Garage Door Spring
Loud Bangs or Snaps
One of the most immediate and undeniable indicators of a broken garage door spring is a sudden, extremely loud bang or snap. This sound often resembles a gunshot or a firecracker exploding. It typically occurs when the garage door is either opening or closing, or even when it's stationary, under immense tension. If you hear this distinctive noise, especially from the garage, investigate cautiously. This sound is the spring succumbing to years of tension and use.
Difficulty Opening or Closing the Door Manually
A perfectly functioning garage door should feel relatively light and balanced when operated manually, even if it's quite heavy. However, if you find your garage door suddenly feels incredibly heavy, becomes difficult to lift, or drops quickly when you try to close it, a broken spring is highly probable. The springs are responsible for counterbalancing the door's weight. Without this assistance, the opener is overburdened, or manual operation becomes nearly impossible, indicating a critical issue.
Gaps in the Torsion Spring (or Cables Hanging Loose)
Visually inspecting your garage door springs can reveal a lot. For torsion springs, which are located above the door, a clear sign of breakage is a visible gap or separation in the coils of the spring. If you have extension springs, located on either side of the door's tracks, a broken spring might result in the spring being stretched out and deformed, or you might see the safety cable hanging loose, no longer running through the center of the spring. Always look for these tell-tale signs.
Uneven Movement or Crooked Door Appearance
When a garage door spring breaks, especially if only one of a pair breaks, it can lead to uneven tension. This imbalance will cause the garage door to move erratically, sometimes jerking or getting stuck halfway. You might also notice that the door appears crooked or lopsided when it's partially or fully open. This uneven movement puts immense strain on other components and signifies a critical spring failure. Addressing this quickly is vital for safety.
A broken garage door spring is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. Attempting to repair or replace a spring yourself can be extremely dangerous due to the high tension involved. At RTS All-American Garage Doors, we specialize in safe and efficient garage door spring repair in Pensacola. Contact us today to schedule a service and ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely once more. Your safety is our top priority.